Why your roof is melting from the inside out
In short: Ice dams can cause significant structural damage to your home. This guide from Ask This Old House explains how to manage existing dams and the long-term insulation strategies needed to stop them from returning.
Ice dams occur when heat escapes from your home into the attic, melting snow on the roof. The water then refreezes at the colder eaves, creating a dam that traps more water and forces it under your shingles. To manage an active dam, contractor Tom Silva suggests a temporary fix: placing ice melt or rock salt inside an old sock or paper bag and tossing it onto the ice to create a drainage channel.
For a permanent solution, the focus must shift to heat retention. This involves increasing insulation in the attic or roof rafters. While homeowners can purchase materials like fiberglass bats from home centers, complex solutions like expanding spray foam may require a professional contractor to ensure proper installation.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: How to Treat and Prevent Ice Dams | Ask This Old House
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